Much of our cruising experience has been aboard Norwegian ships. On our past cruises, we have been joined by anywhere between 2,100 and 5,000 other guests. A river cruise on the Viking Mississippi has a maximum of 386 guests and that makes a huge difference. The 450-foot-long ship was built in America, flies the American flag, and includes only American crew members, all of whom speak fluent English. Each of the rooms are outside staterooms with comfortable amenities.,
When we began investigating river cruises and looked into Viking, what appealed to us was what Viking does not do or allow.
First, no children under 18. On our last cruise – which unfortunately was over a spring break – children swarmed the decks and halls and occupied the pools and tubs like ants at a picnic. Nancy and I go on cruises to relax, and the fewer undisciplined children, the better. In addition, there are no casinos on Viking Cruises, no photography sales, no art shows, no formal nights, and no sales pressure for the next cruise. Viking does not nickel and dime their guests. You get the best and only the best at restaurants and bars. There is no upcharge for special dining arrangements. There is no charge for beer and wines with lunch or dinner. The food is perfect in their dining rooms. Among the delicacies served to all guests have been Blue Crab Beignets, Soft Shell Crabs, Blackened Redfish, Baked Rockfish, Sauteed Grouper, St. Louis Ribs, Leg of Lamb and a slew of other delicious entrees and desserts.
The employees aboard are outgoing and friendly. They speak to you and asks if you are enjoying your cruise and if there is anything they can do to make it better.
Viking has multiple excursions that are complimentary and they few that they charge extra for involve outside services. The rooms are spacious and well appointed. There is gentle entertainment each evening, but no circus acts or raunchy comedians. The cruises are filled with informative seminars of local cuisine and drink, a history of each port and light entertainment.
River cruises with Viking are both informative and entertaining.
